Which pet should you choose for your kid?
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It’s been months now that your kids have been asking for a dog, cat, or hamster, but you still haven’t made up your mind?
At their age, you’re not quite sure if it’s the best decision for them, plus you know it’ll likely be you taking on the walks and cleaning up!
But don’t worry, you’re not alone in your concerns.
I’ve asked the best rated Pet-Sitter available on Yoojo what are the best pets for whom and at what age?
And I’ve kept only the best advice for you!
In this guide, we’ll explain which pet will be compatible with your children based on their age and what the pet can bring into their lives.
The criteria to consider
Choosing between all these little balls of fur, scales, or feathers isn’t easy. However, by focusing on certain criteria, you can easily pick the perfect pet for your children.
Let us guide you!
Why do you want to get a pet for your children?
It’s important to start this adventure by asking the right questions. Every child on Earth wants a little furry friend at home, but why do you want to take the leap and get one for them?
Obviously, if it’s just to make them happy because they’re throwing a tantrum, neither you, the pet, nor your children will end up satisfied.
This reflection, which you should do with your children, is crucial as it will help you choose the right pet:
If you have an only child and want to give them a companion for adventures, a goldfish might not be the best fit.
If your goal is to teach responsibility, a dog might be a bit too demanding as a first pet.
Sit down with your children and ask them why they want a pet. This will help narrow down your choices significantly.
Physiological benefits, a boost to well-being, psychomotor development, a sense of responsibility and socialisation... pets offer many benefits to your children’s growth.
You’ve got plenty of reasons to say yes!
Is the lifespan of the pet an important factor?
Another important criterion when choosing a pet for your children is its lifespan.
The pet will grow alongside your children, and they will develop emotional bonds with it.
Sadly, some pets have short lifespans, and you will need to explain the concept of death to your children—a difficult moment, especially if they are quite young.
Make your choice with this in mind, knowing that as your children grow, their preferences may change too.
| Pet | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Dog | Between 10 and 15 years |
| Cat | Around 15 years |
| Rabbit | Between 5 and 8 years |
| Hamster | Between 2 and 4 years |
| Guinea Pig | Between 4 and 8 years |
| Mouse | Around 2 years |
| Parrot | Over 50 years |
| Goldfish | Up to 10 years |
| Tortoise | Over 70 years |
| Chicken | Around 10 years |
| Horse | Between 20 and 30 years |
What’s the pet’s daily routine like?
How many parents have made the mistake of buying a hamster only to later find out it’s a nocturnal animal that doesn’t really enjoy cuddles?
The kids lose interest quickly, and the parents lose patience.
Make sure to explain to your children the lifestyle of certain pets they want to have, so there are no surprises:
| Pet | Lifestyle Description |
|---|---|
| Chinchilla | Nocturnal, not very sociable |
| Hamster | Nocturnal, not very sociable |
| Gerbil | Active during the day, very sociable |
| Rabbit | Active during the day, moderately sociable |
| Mouse | Active at dusk, very sociable |
| Tortoise | Not very sociable, hibernates |
The best pets for children, according to parents
By now, you should have sorted out the small details and have a good idea of what your children want and need.
But if you’re still lacking inspiration, here’s how to choose the right pet for your children based on their age group or the animal’s temperament, for example.
Which pet to choose by age group
To start, it’s worth mentioning that in general, it’s not recommended to give a pet to a child under 5 years old.
Before this age, they cannot properly care for a pet.
However, under the supervision and responsibility of parents, they can begin interacting with pets and performing small tasks to get familiar with the responsibility of owning a pet (filling the water bowl, playing together, etc.).
Cats and dogs are perfect for this.
As they get older, here’s how to choose by age group:
| Age Group | Suitable Pets |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years old | Goldfish, other pets only under parental supervision |
| Ages 5 to 10 | Cat, guinea pig, rabbit, ferret, fish, small parakeet, canary, and some easy-to-care-for dogs |
| Ages 10 to 14 | Hamster, chinchilla |
| 14 years and older | Snakes, spiders, lizards, other exotic pets, horse, parrot |
Rodents: the perfect small pets
For children aged 5 who constantly crave affection and have a calm nature, a guinea pig can be the ideal companion. However, guinea pigs are fragile and can suffer fractures if handled too roughly.
It’s essential that parents teach their children the importance of handling them gently.
Additionally, guinea pigs can carry ringworm, which may develop under stress or during significant environmental changes.
To avoid stressful situations, they need a large enough cage with a hiding spot where they can retreat if necessary.
Similarly, hamsters are also very popular with children. However, be cautious, as they can bite when scared or if they feel threatened. It’s important that your children treat them gently to avoid injury.
Mammals: the affectionate pets by excellence
Dogs have the unique ability to sense their owner's mood. Often called "man's best friend," your dog can bring comfort and confidence to your child.
From the age of 3, children are capable of forming strong bonds with their dogs. For younger children, it's recommended to introduce them to older, well-trained dogs.
Puppies, with their energetic nature, might spend their time disturbing and nibbling at them.
Additionally, before getting a dog, you should consider that they need to be walked several times a day and that they require a large outdoor space to thrive. Large dogs, in particular, aren’t suited for apartment living.
Cats are one of the most common pets. They are very clean and highly independent (as long as you regularly clean their litter box and refill their food bowl).
Cats are also very affectionate and love to play with children and be petted.
However, they don’t like having their tails pulled or being chased around. If you’re considering getting a cat for your child, it’s best to choose a kitten that can grow alongside them.
This way, your child will learn to respect their cat’s need for independence when the time comes.
Rabbits are also very social animals that love being petted and help calm children. They are very clean, always using the same spot in their cage for their needs.
However, they are very fragile, so it’s important to supervise them when they are out of the cage, as they could hurt themselves by bumping into furniture or trying to chew on electric wires.
Goldfish: an easy pet to care for
Placed in an aquarium, goldfish are fascinating for a child to watch.
They also take up little space and don’t make any noise, which is particularly appealing to parents. Goldfish are ideal for children who are hyperactive or prone to asthma.
They require very little maintenance: all you need to do is feed them and change their water regularly. However, avoid water turtles, which are adorable but can quickly make their aquarium smell bad!
How to take care of your pet if you don't have time?
Did you know there’s a new concept called Pet-sitting (check here how Yoojo can help you)?
It's incredibly convenient when your pets can’t go on holiday with you, if you can’t walk your dog at lunchtime, or when you want to take more weekend trips!
At Yoojo, we'll connect you only with pet-sitters near you, ready to help and pamper your pets during your absence.
Don’t hesitate to post an ad on Yoojo... it’s free, no commitment, and you can chat with nearby pet-sitters before making any bookings.
Find out more about our pet sitting services and all the providers near you.
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